A Fairy thorn is a tree ( generally a Hawthorn) in the middle of a field that is the living place of the SIDHE, or fairy folk. They live within the branches and roots and bring good fortune or bad to those who seek them out. It is extremely bad luck to cut down a fairythorn ( as Mr DeLorean did when his built his motor car plant in Dunmurry NI, cutting down a Fairyhtorn in the process and we all know what happened to his firm!) After the winter and summer solstices it is often common to find empty drinking vessels these little people have used ( usually Hazelnut shells)and even their footprints in the mud around the base of the tree..The greatest respect must be paid to these trees (actually to those that live there)to ensure a peaceful and prosperous happy life..